Screech

To screech is to utter a loud, harsh, piercing cry or sound, often involuntary and indicative of extreme emotion like pain, fear, or excitement. It can also refer to the harsh grating sound produced by something moving or rubbing against a surface. The sound is typically high-pitched and unpleasant to the ear. Screeching can be a vocalization, a sound produced by an animal or machine, or even a descriptive term to indicate a sudden, jarring halt or turn. The intensity of a screech is directly proportional to the emotional or mechanical force behind it. Furthermore, in some contexts, it could also mean to speak in a loud, harsh and shrill voice often out of anger.

Screech meaning with examples

• The brakes of the car screeched as the driver slammed them, narrowly avoiding the accident. The sound echoed through the quiet street, jolting everyone awake and heightening their fears. It served as a signal to the other cars to become careful. All could hear the danger was clear to them.
• Terrified by the sudden appearance of a snake, the child screeched, her voice filled with a high-pitched scream that pierced the silence of the garden. Her parents rushed to her side, but the moment was lost in this very shrill, frightening noise. Everyone knew how dangerous snakes were, but still, they were beautiful.
• As the rusty gate swung open, it let out a prolonged screech that signaled its disrepair. It sounded like a mournful wail through the wind. The homeowner knew it was time to oil the hinges, which were also making the annoying sound from inside the house. It was annoying to his family as well.
• The excited audience screeched with laughter as the comedian told a particularly funny joke. The sound erupted as everyone agreed to the joke. It continued through the auditorium, which was a place of extreme joy. This showed how excited and entertaining the crowd became.
• The old machinery let out a terrible screech when it tried to process something too heavy. The engineers knew it was a sign of the device struggling with something difficult and so it wasn't long until it broke down completely. It has shown signs like this for months, though the owners refused to repair it.